ADDITIONAL EXAM QUESTIONS - THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN

In order to conduct this qualification testing, SES has agreed to develop and assemble questions to use for evaluating the qualifications of source sampling and analysis personnel and update those questions every 5 years.  The set of questions and answers for the exam will remain the confidential property of SES.  In order to maintain the vitality of the exam and continually improve its relevance, we need the help of every SES member in developing questions and answers for the exam covering:  knowledge of the Methods as written; limitations of the methods; potential field conditions that may affect results; any special considerations needed for low-level measurements; shipping and packing considerations; sources of uncertainty (systematic and random) associated with results.

We ask that each of you draft three or more questions that we can use for the qualification testing. The questions can be about basic testing principles (e.g., isokinetic sampling rates, sampling locations), principles and operation of any and all test methods (e.g., EPA Methods 1 through 320, OSW methods, commonly used state or other methods), site preparation and operations procedures (e.g., safety, clean areas, multiple train operation coordination), field clean up and sample handling, laboratory analyses, calculations, and reporting. Each suggested question should be clearly stated with right and wrong answers in a multiple choice format. Also, you need to provide clear regulatory or other documentation support for each question submitted. 

For example:

Question _: EPA Method 1 describes ______:

a) procedures for selecting measurement site and sample port locations in stacks and ducts;

b) procedures for locating the sample probe inlet when conducting particulate and gaseous sampling;

c) procedures for determining whether the gaseous flow patterns at the measurement location meet minimally acceptable nonaxial or cyclonic flow criteria; or 

Answer: d) all of the above. Documentation - sections 2.1 through 2.5 of Method 1, 40 CFR part 60, appendix A.